The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) on Wednesday inducted twelve new members into the forum, emphasizing professionalism, ethical practice, and active contribution to the growth of the state’s digital media space.
The induction ceremony, which held at the conference room of state ministry of information, brought together online publishers, media scholars, and communication experts from across Delta State.
The new members were sworn in by the Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, who administered the oath of commitment and underscored the responsibilities that come with joining the reputable body of online media professionals.
Welcoming the inductees, Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, urged them to uphold the ideals of DOPF and maintain the highest standards of digital journalism.
He cautioned that membership should not be taken as a symbolic gesture but as an invitation to active participation and professional excellence.
“Do not go home and sleep after joining this forum,” Enebeli told the new members. “Any website that remains inactive, the forum will take action against it.
“Do not use your platforms to attack people. Do not publish unverified stories. This is very important. We must work together to promote and grow DOPF.”
Enebeli emphasized that ethical conduct and factual reporting remain the hallmark of credible online publishing, noting that DOPF will continue to sanction practices that undermine public trust or damage the integrity of the profession.
On behalf of the newly inducted members, Mr. Osita Biosa, publisher of Eagle News Online, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the forum for the warm reception and pledged that the new members would contribute positively to strengthening the organization.
“For accommodating us, we will do the needful,” he said. “We will promote DOPF across Delta State and uphold the standards expected of us.”
The event featured two major lecture sessions led by industry experts. Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu delivered the first presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria.” He explored the growing influence of AI-driven systems on information dissemination, transparency, policy engagement, and citizen participation.
The second lecture, presented by Professor Presley Obukoadata, focused on “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development.”
The professor highlighted how AI tools are reshaping news production processes, enhancing investigative journalism, and expanding the frontiers of civic dialogue.
He also cautioned that while AI brings enormous opportunities, publishers must be mindful of ethical risks, misinformation, and biases embedded in AI systems.
Breakout sessions followed the lectures, allowing participants to discuss practical ways artificial intelligence can be deployed to improve communication, governance, and development in Delta State and Nigeria at large.
Members proposed collaborative strategies, including capacity-building workshops, AI-powered fact-checking tools, and frameworks for verifying digital content.
The induction ceremony ended with renewed commitment from both old and new members to uphold the values of responsible journalism and ensure that DOPF continues to serve as a model for credible online publishing in the state.
